If you enjoy exploring the world from the comfort of your computer screen, you’ll be pleased to know that Google has added new 360-degree views of Antarctica to its Google Maps service.
The new 360-degree views provide panoramic imagery of historic Antarctic locations and are part of Google’s World Wonders site, where you can learn more about the history of South Pole exploration.
Creating the 360-Degree Views
To create the 360-degree images, Google left their Street View cars in the garage and instead opted for a lightweight tripod camera fitted with a fisheye lens. This innovative approach allowed them to capture high-quality images in the challenging and remote environment of Antarctica. Google explained in their blog post:
“With the help of the Polar Geospatial Center at the University of Minnesota and the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust, we’ve added 360-imagery of many important spots, inside and out, such as the South Pole Telescope, Shackleton’s hut, Scott’s hut, Cape Royds Adélie Penguin Rookery and the Ceremonial South Pole.”
The use of a fisheye lens was particularly crucial for capturing the expansive and often stark landscapes of Antarctica. This lens type allows for a wider field of view, which is essential for panoramic imagery. The lightweight tripod setup also made it easier to transport the equipment across the icy terrain, ensuring that the team could reach even the most remote locations.
Exploring Historic Antarctic Sites
The addition of these 360-degree views to Google Maps is not just a technological achievement; it also serves an educational purpose. By visiting the Google World Wonder Project website, users can explore significant historical sites in Antarctica. For instance, Shackleton’s hut and Scott’s hut are preserved relics from early 20th-century expeditions, offering a glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by explorers of that era.
Cape Royds Adélie Penguin Rookery is another fascinating location included in the imagery. This site is home to a large colony of Adélie penguins, providing a unique opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat. The Ceremonial South Pole, marked by a metallic sphere on a red and white striped pole, is another highlight. This spot is a symbolic representation of the geographic South Pole and is surrounded by the flags of the Antarctic Treaty nations.
The inclusion of the South Pole Telescope in the 360-degree views is particularly noteworthy. This telescope is a crucial tool for astronomers studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, which provides insights into the early universe. By making these images accessible, Google allows users to virtually visit a site that is otherwise off-limits to the general public.
In addition to these well-known locations, the 360-degree views also include lesser-known but equally important sites. For example, the images capture the rugged beauty of the Antarctic landscape, from towering icebergs to vast ice fields. These views offer a rare opportunity to appreciate the stark beauty and ecological significance of this remote continent.
To view the images, visit the Google World Wonder Project website. This platform not only provides access to the Antarctic imagery but also includes detailed information about each location, enhancing the educational value of the experience.
Source: TNW : Google
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